Today was not off to the greatest start. Elise and I had language class in the morning and language learning is a roller coaster ride. No day is ever the same though some are better than others. Today was one of the toughest days I’ve had so far resulting in frustration and tears. My teacher so graciously comforted me and encouraged me that my language skills will come with time and practice and I’m doing great for only being in country for a month and a half. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far but it has been the longest 1 & 1/2 months of my life.
Just as quickly as I became discouraged and began questioning why God decided to send me to a country where I don’t speak the language, He reminded me EXACTLY why He’s brought me here. Every Friday at the Daughters day center where I work, they hold a worship service that the clients attend. I usually don’t work Fridays but today’s service was a Christmas celebration with singing, skits, bells and Ruth (the founder of Daughters) sharing the story of Jesus’ birth. I was extremely blessed to see how much joy the clients were filled with when as they listened and partook in worship of our Lord.
As Ruth so beautifully shared, Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s did not live an extravagant life. He was born in a manger, His family did not posses earthly status or wealth nor was He accepted by most of society. As I sat and listened, I was looking directly at the faces of those who have similarly come from “nothing” and have experienced being shunned and outcast from society. These are the people that Christ came for. Today I witnessed a miracle. Today I truly understood what it means to have the “Christmas Spirit.”
After the service I stayed a bit longer and one of the clients at Daughters initiated a conversation with me and began sharing his story with me. He is a lady boy, comes from nothing, has been sexually exploited like the other clients at Daughters and began sharing what the Lord has been doing in his life. He desires to change. He desires a new life and understands that the only way that is possible is to allow God to change his heart a day at a time. Again, I was witnessing a miracle before my eyes. He was so honest, so vulnerable and desires so badly to be loved. That is the theme of the Christmas story, God’s love for His children. It is the ultimate love story.
I was overjoyed on my ride home as I exchanged smiles with people in passing as I usually do. When I arrived home, my sweet Tuk Tuk driver asked me if I enjoyed my time. I expressed how I really had a great time and then began to tell him why I went. I told him it was a Christmas celebration and asked if he knew why we celebrate Christmas. He had no idea. I was able to share a bit about Jesus and how His life was the greatest gift ever given. He appeared to understand. I said “Merry Christmas Sothea!” and he replied “Merry Christmas.” Though I am in an unfamiliar place this Christmas season, the Lord has comforted me with His Spirit and has blessed me with the gift of joy.
Who is Jesus?
You’re doing great, Amarja. Not lagging behind. Right on time. Sucking the marrow out of the experience. As you dig in for the long term, Jesus will continue to show up as he did for you today.
Thanks for sharing.
I’m praying for you sweetie!
You are doing a great work there and I am so proud of you! You inspire me 🙂
Keep staying positive, i know times can get tough, especially now but, know that God will never ever give you more than you can handle! It takes courage and strength to do what you do! I know your love for the people in Cambodia is overflowing and how much more does our God love you? Be patient and things will happen in Gods time a.k.a the RIGHT time.
I love you so much and i’m always thinking of you!
<3
p.s. upload more pics!!! I want to see everything you see! 🙂
Aww roomie it is so great to hear your updates. I am so unbelievably proud of you and you are doing great!! Keep it up, suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character hope. Hope does not disappoint us. You keep pushing through over there. I believe 110% that you can and will learn that language. I love you very much and always keep you in my prayers.
i love you mari! so excited you got to share the christmas story!
Where was the picture above taken. Looks like a very nice building.
What is a “lady boy”?
🙂 WOW! You are famous! I found you on google! Great story!!!! Keep pressing forward… 😉
Yo sis, I’m so proud of you. Don’t give up, you got alot of people praying for you & having faith that God is doing great things through you. Continue to be a great example to the girls your ministeing to & also your team members.